Tom Cruise thanks 'Lady Luck'

Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise joked "Lady Luck" has been on his side as he accepted a lifetime achievement award in the UK.

The Hollywood actor received the Legend of our Lifetime gong from his Jack Reacher co-star Rosamund Pike at the 2014 Empire Awards in London.

"I feel really fortunate, because it was my dream to be able to make films and I've had an incredible time so far," he said.

"I've spent an incredible part of my life in studios and sound booths and on sets all over the world, (and) so many people I've learned from... I do know it takes an incredible amount of endurance, hard work and a little bit of luck - maybe a lot of luck," he continued.

The 51-year-old added: "Thank you to the audiences for watching. I made the movies for you."

Before the ceremony, Tom said the most important lessons he had learnt throughout his three-decades long career were "enjoying moments in life with people", adding that he is still in love with movie-making.

"In the film industry, there are film crews I get to work with, people everyday, the artistry and the craftsmanship. Those are the things you get to create yourself. It's very exciting," he said.